Page 41 of Harbor Lights

“I’ll see you on the ferry soon. Bye, Siobhán.” Aoife waved to her cousin then followed Gracie into the house. Shiv stuck up a hand in return.

“That kid is queer,” she murmured, as they continued their walk through the village.

“Gracie? She’s only twelve, yet.”

“I knew when I was that age, and I bet you did, too.”

Con considered. Her first couple of years at boarding school had been lonely, and she had indeed felt separate when she began to understand she felt about girls like most girls felt about boys. “Maybe, but I certainly didn’t have the language to talk about it. If you’re right about Gracie, she’ll be fine. Her family is very caring and inclusive, and her uncle Christy’s gay.”

“And the kids at school?” Shiv raised an eyebrow as they entered the hotel gates.

Con’s response was forestalled by the array of cars in the car park. So many suggested almost everyone on the island had converged on the Waterside tonight. She wondered what was happening, and by her wide eyes, Shiv was clearly having a similar thought.

Tierney met them at the restaurant door with a hug. “Well, hello strangers. Are you finally here to take us up on that meal, Shiv?”

“Not tonight.” Con stepped inside. “This is my treat.”

“Well, you’re lucky because Marianne is here, working with Colette, trying out some new regionally sourced ingredients, so if you want to try the tasting menu you’ll be in for a treat. There’s a vegetarian option.” She tipped her head at Shiv.

“Sounds perfect. Are you sure you can fit us in?”

“We can always find space for you, Doc. And family never gets turned away. You may have to endure being interviewed by Mari, though. She’s doing some social media content.”

Although they weren’t touching, Con sensed Shiv’s whole body stiffen, and she took a step back as if she was about to bolt.

Con rested a hand on Tierney’s forearm. “Is it okay if we don’t do that? I’m too old for this social media malarkey. Do you have a table away from the filming?”

Tierney nodded. “Sure.” She led the way to a table close to the large window but set aside from the main room. “This is my favorite table for people watching, while remaining unnoticed.”

“Thanks.” Shiv spoke her first word since entering.

They sat, Shiv with her back to the corner, her eyes flickering over the noisy crowd. Con’s seat would give her very little to look at other than Shiv and the darkness falling outside. She hoped they could have a relaxed meal without Shiv feeling too anxious.

She’d been daydreaming about seeing Shiv all week. Part of her had been terrified she’d ruined what they had by being too much. So, she was going to make the most of this evening. If only Shiv would relax a little.

FOURTEEN

Shiv splashedwater from the sink and glared at the pale face that stared back accusingly from the mirror.

Stop making such a big thing of it.She needed to rid herself of this terror of eating in public. Anxiety wasn’t something she experienced often, but she hated the way it made her feel small and hopeless. So, she would handle it the way she handled most things. Facing it down until it backed the fuck off. She really wanted to relax and enjoy this evening with Con, and she refused to let herself sabotage it.

She rubbed her face dry, straightened her shoulders, and walked back out into the busy restaurant. She reminded herself this bustle was so different from the noisy chaos of the prison chow hall she had found so hard to cope with. It was more like the communal meals she’d experienced as a child and a teenager, around people who cared about each other and enjoyed the chance to sit together and eat. These island people had turned out tonight to support the hotel because they wanted to.

And Con had allayed her concern about being filmed without her needing to say anything. She was grateful. Things had gone quiet with the Iron Sons, but she was still worried they were looking for her. Best to stay offline as long as she could.

Con’s eyes, below a furrowed brow, followed her as she approached. She sat and forced a smile. “Are we trying this tasting menu, then?”

Con’s shoulders visibly loosened. “I’d love to. Do you want to see the vegetarian option?” She held out the menu.

Shiv glanced down. “If it’s vegetarian, it's good for me. Let’s order.”

She hoped it didn't sound like she was rushing, but a part of her still wanted to run for the door.

Con nodded to one of the wait staff and she approached. Shiv let Con order and turned down a drink when Con ordered red wine. “Water’s good for me, thanks.”

The server left with their orders.

“Do you not drink at all?” Con rested her arms on the tabletop. Her sleeves were folded neatly to midway up her forearms. Her hands were worn in the way of someone who washed them a lot, and her nails were short, but neatly cut. She wore a single ring on the little finger of her right hand. It appeared to be a crest or coat of arms.

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